Cheapest cars in the U.S.

Chevy Aveo

DAILY NEWS STAFF

Tuesday, January 29, 2008, 2:45 AM

The recent unveiling in India of the $2,500 people's car is enough to make you look at your Toyota Yaris with new respect, but it's not the only car with a beyond-belief low sticker. The QQ3, for example, manufactured by China's Chery, is $5,000, and the Merrie Star, made by Geely, also in China, is $5,500. Other Indian companies selling cheap wheels include Suzuki-Maruti, who offer a $5,200 M800. But where does a budget-minded American buyer look for bargains? Right here. The following is a list of the cheapest rides in the U.S., sorted by vehicle styling.

Ford Ranger $13,970

This pickup's mighty bouncy, but it's got fierce acceleration and looks brawny despite its small size. If you're in the trades and need a rig to haul your gear, it's the cheapest date in town.

Kia Rio $12,915

The Rio's not only one of the most affordable and practical cars on the market, but one of the most fuel efficient at 29 city miles per gallon, 38 on the highway. Revisions for '08 include an updated alloy wheels design and an illuminated ignition surround.

Jeep Patriot $14,550

This is a "Jeep" like I'm a pro basketball player, but if you absolutely must join the ranks of SUV owners, this ride includes a lot of extras as standard, like side curtain air bags, stability control, a CD player with MP3 capability and, unusually for an SUV, a five-speed manual shift.

Mazda5 $17,735

Ford Ranger

Minivans are usually as pretty as a bar bathroom after New Year's Eve, but this one's got a sleek, good-looking exterior and is powered by a four-cylinder engine. Both manual and automatic transmissions are offered, unusual in minivans.

Chevy Aveo $10,235

The Aveo is currently the cheapest car in America, but there's no need for a "My other car is a BMW" bumper sticker. Its spirited performance and precise steering make it fun, it takes the bumps well, and the interior's surprisingly quiet at speed.

PT Cruiser $18,430

This stylish, well-made ride is not only inexpensive, it has a backseat people can actually fit in — unlike many convertibles — and its flop top's particularly easy to operate. Get 'em while they last — the PT convertible's being discontinued after this year.

Toyota Prius $21,100

The king of hybrids enjoys secondary status as the current cheapest gas/electric ride in the country. It's also one of the few cars that cost less this year. Despite its phenomenal sales, its price has come down from $22,175 for last year's base models.